Brazilian egg exports end 2014 down

Year-end figures disappoint, but December may signal turnaround

The volume of eggs exported by Brazil last year contracted
by 1.4 percent to 12,200 tons, reports the Brazilian Association of Animal
Protein (ABPA). Sales by value, however, experienced an even greater fall,
dropping by 20.6 percent to US$16.8 million.

“The sector’s performance was particularly affected by
Angola’s import suspension, which took place in March and April. The country
restarted imports in May, but at lower levels than previously,” said Francisco
Turra, ABPA executive president.

Difficulties for the sector were centered on trade with
Africa.

Egg exports to Angola, at 1,290 tons, were 71 percent lower last
year, and Brazil’s total exports to Africa
contracted by 69 percent both in value and volume terms.

While exports to Africa may have contracted, exports to the
Middle East rose, establishing the region as the main client for Brazilian eggs.
Shipments reached 9,110 tons, an increase of 67 percent, and rose by value to
US11.4 million, an increase of 47 percent.

According to Ricardo Santin, ABPA vice-president, reduced
demand from Africa was somewhat compensated for by growing imports from the
United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

2014 ended on a more positive note, however, for Brazil’s
egg exporters. December saw the volume of eggs exported increase by 112 percent
to 2,200 tons, while by value, the country’s egg imports increased by 92.8
percent to reach US$2.8 million.